Chinese tech giant ‘Huawei’ has expressed its willingness to support an annual study programme aimed at nurturing software and hardware engineers in Sri Lanka.

Speaking in this regard, Simon Lin, Senior Vice President of Huawei Technologies and President of Huawei Asia Pacific, revealed that Huawei has already initiated collaborations with several Sri Lankan universities, not only pertaining to providing academic assistance but also in providing technology and infrastructure.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who is on an official four-day trip to China, led the delegation to Huawei’s research and development centre in Beijing today (17 Oct.). 

Highlighting the purpose of his visit, which is to discuss Sri Lanka’s future, President Wickremesinghe emphasised the crucial role of both the Chinese Government and Huawei in supporting Sri Lanka’s digital education system and green energy production. 

President Ranil Wickremesinghe stressed the need for Sri Lanka to build a competitive digital and green economy to face the challenges of the future, and noted that the foundational work for this transformation is already underway.

The discussions extended to the importance of empowering Sri Lankan citizens with digital technology, which is closely linked to the nation’s economic growth. The Sri Lankan delegation was also briefed on Huawei’s international services and their latest technological advancements.

Additionally, an agreement was signed during this visit, formalizing Huawei’s support for the digitization of Sri Lankan schools.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry, Minister of Transport and Mass Media Bandula Gunawardena, Senior Presidential Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka were also present on this occasion.